The latest allocation is to 47 WRU member clubs who have applied for financial assistance to improve their facilities and takes the total allocated so far in the 2013/14 season to more than £740,000.
Nearly 90 clubs have benefited from the governing body support this season which assists the community game by providing clubs funding for projects including the upgrading of changing rooms and clubhouses, new floodlights and pitch maintenance equipment and refurbishment.
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “I’m delighted that the Welsh Rugby Union has been able to allocate close to three-quarters of a million pounds to projects in the community game this season.
“Supporting grass roots rugby continues to be a key priority for the WRU.
“The community game is the bedrock of rugby in Wales and we have invested £15.6million into core and development funding since 2007.
“In addition the Facilities Foundation Grant has distributed a further £1.3million to clubs in the past two seasons and is part of our on-going major investment into the club game at the grass roots.
“It provides an opportunity for member clubs to significantly improve their facilities through projects that wouldn’t have been possible without the programme.”
Machen RFC secretary, Samuel Moore, described the funding as a lifeline to the SWALEC League Five South East side: “The funding is a lifeline to us and is vital,” he said.
“We have a leak in the roof in part of the clubhouse and damage to the drainage pipe from the pitch, both of which need urgent work. The club is at the heart of the community with over 200 registered players and its ultilized every night of the week.
“Without the funding we wouldn’t be able to do the necessary works and it would be patch up job which wouldn’t be suitable.
“To have the funding pot there and to be able to apply is really important and it’s vital to us.”
SWALEC League One West club Kidwelly RFC received funding to upgrade the shower facilities and electrical supply to the club and assistant secretary Nigel Gower believes the assistance will be a huge boost.
“The facilities simply haven’t been suitable and safe. The grant allows us to upgrade the shower facilities and electrical supply, making the club safer and a more welcome place for visiting sides and our teams.
“The funding is extremely important to us as without it we wouldn’t be able to carry out the work that is needed.”
